Children's Birthday Party Etiquette

Make a good impression at your child's next birthday bash.

If you want to make a good impression at your child's next birthday party that will not only wow your guests but will also polish your child's social graces with a simple lesson in good manners, you'll be happy to know that there are a few simple ways to make for a big splash as you host your child's next birthday bash.

Guest List and Invitations

Creating a guest list can often create tension.

Creating a guest list can often create tension, so sit down with your child and establish a list. This can be particularly difficult when throwing children's parties during the school year because there is always the question of whether or not to invite the child's entire class. And while this may seem like the right thing to do, it is not necessary. Be discreet when inviting a handful of classmates, as opposed to the whole class. Drop the invitations with the teacher or in the mail. Do not have your child distribute them during class, and discourage your child from talking up the party in class, as it may create hurt feelings. Also, if you ask parents to R.S.V.P. for their child and they don't call you, don't assume that their child is not coming to the party. Instead, feel free to give them a call just to be sure.

Party Time

One of the best parts of planning a birthday party is picking a theme.

If you're throwing a party for a toddler, a birthday party need not last for more than one hour. And you'll want to plan the party for that small window in time when your child is at his most rested and best able to absorb all of the sugar and excitement without too much drama. If your child is school-aged, you can plan a party that will last between 2 and 3 hours. And for those brave parents of preteens, you might consider the ever-popular sleep-over. Just be prepared for very little sleep on your part.

Uninvited Guests

It's all happened to us, the uninvited guest.

While an uninvited guest is usually no big deal, it's always best to plan for those on your guest list who may show up with a tag-along or two, such as the younger sibling or an out-of-town cousin or both. So while it would have been nice to have had a more accurate headcount, it's always best to err on the side of caution by having a few extra cupcakes and party favors on hand. And always, always greet each guest with a warm, friendly (and expectant) smile, whether they were invited or not.

Games

Be creative and find a way to tie the games in with your theme.

Parents are often inclined to steer clear from competitive games to avoid winners and losers. However, a little stiff competition never hurt anyone, and if you keep the prizes small, so as not to create jealousy among the party-goers, competitive games just might be the difference between a good party and an unforgettable one. Be creative and find a way to tie the games in with your party theme.

Misbehaving Children

Often times when sugar-levels and emotions are running high, you are confronted with a misbehaving child.

Often when sugar levels and emotions are running high, you are confronted with a misbehaving child. And it doesn't matter whether it's the birthday boy or one of the party guests; it only takes one rotten egg to consume an entire room, so it's best to handle the situation quickly and quietly by calmly attempting to distract the child. Creating a simple diversion usually works best. However, if the situation escalates, and the child is not yours, you can simply separate the child from the rest of the herd and firmly explain to him that you will call and request that his parents come to get him should his behavior not improve. And if it is your child that is the unruly one, simply pull him aside and remind him that he is another year older, old enough to remember that his guests are looking to him to have a good time, all the while emphasizing his responsibility as the host.

Thank You Notes

Nothing expresses your appreciation like a hand-written thank-you note.

Nothing expresses your appreciation like a handwritten thank-you note sent by way of snail-mail. Taking into consideration that your party guests have taken the time and money to purchase a special gift and to spend an afternoon celebrating your child's birthday, it is important to acknowledge their thoughtfulness in a short note. It also demonstrates to your child good manners, encouraging the all-important outward expression of gratitude. You'll especially want to express your gratitude to those parents who offered to stay behind and help you clean up.

References

• Birthday-in-a-box: Children's Party Etiquette